FENCING CHAMPION ALEXANDRA NDOLO FRUSTRATED OVER LACK OF SUPPORT FROM FEDERATION

Kenya fencing champion Alexandra Ndolo took to social media to air her frustrations over lack of support from the Kenyan Fencing Federation.

According to Ndolo, she can no longer protect a system that does not support athletes, “It’s time to be honest with myself and with the people around me. I have reached my limit. I hate to admit it, I hate to ask for help, but I feel I can no longer lie. Especially if those lies are protecting the system that should support me. I didn’t want to be the one feeding into the narrative of an African country being too unorganised or unwilling to support their high level athletes, as I am very protective of the way Africa is being perceived on other continents.”

She further stated, she has paid for all the training camps and competitions without the help of the federation, “But here is the truth: So far I have organised and financed all of my fencing season. I have planned, booked and paid for every single training camp and competition. I have traveled to many competitions without my coach and not once taken a physio with me. For a fencer of my caliber this is not just unusually, it is unheard of. Despite this I have completely exhausted my resources and built up a debt that is quite frankly threatening my existence.

Contrary to the common Kenyan idea of people living in Europe I am not a rich muzungu that has bottomless pockets and can therefore be taken advantage of. I can’t afford to promote fencing in Kenya, assure visibility for the young Kenyan athletes, the young Kenyan coaches and provide results for the officials whilst getting no support whatsoever.”

Alexandra also disclosed she has received empty promises from the federation and she can no longer keep quiet, “All I have received these past 9 months have been empty words and promises from the Kenyan Fencing Federation and the Kenyan sports system.

Whilst being happy to boast about their new sport and new top ten world ranking player no one was able to put actions behind their words. I am very sensitive to money problems, because being the child of immigrants usually means growing up culturally richer, but financially poorer than most of your age-mates (I guess there is something about seeing or rather feeling your parents struggle that never quite leaves you). 

Publicly admitting all of this is very difficult for me, but at this point keeping quiet is taking a toll on my performance, more than any injury or heartache has ever done. To the Kenyan sports system I want to say if you truly want to embrace me, not just with words, if you truly want to be on this road to Paris together, put some actions behind your words.”